Introducing the plan for the continuing fight against the coronavirus (see Winter plan for managing Covid), the Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned that the Government might have to move to Plan B if virus cases rise significantly in the coming months.
Among other restrictions, this would include a fresh instruction for people to work from home wherever possible.
However, the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) has told employers not to wait for the Government to reintroduce this measure but to have it in reserve as they regularly review their own Covid-19 safety measures.
With looking after workers as their priority, the Institution said, they should judge for themselves whether and when to make such a move.
“There is a potential for Covid-19 transmission within and getting to workplaces so, should cases begin to spike as we head into the autumn and winter months, consideration must be given to how the spread of the virus can be prevented and contacts reduced,” IOSH Head of Health and Safety, Ruth Wilkinson, said.
One measure is through reverting to people working from home which will support the other controls already in place.
Employers and employees can all play their part by implementing and following working safely guidelines and implementing good risk management and control measures, Ms Wilkinson concluded.
Last reviewed 20 September 2021
